Imani Kiza

About the Artist

I am Imani Kiza. I am a young artist born on 7/10/2002 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I came to the Dzaleka refugee camp when I was still very young, just about 9 years old.

Early Education and Discovery

I then started primary grade 2 at Umodzi Katudza Primary School. My desire for drawing increased in the way that I used to copy some pictures and draw as practice. My teacher and fellow classmates used to give me some diagrams so that I could draw for a lesson. By doing that, I realized that it was my talent. I liked it and I used to practice every day.

Children’s Art Club Experience

When I was 15 years old, I decided to look for somewhere or a school where I could learn how to draw. I wanted to draw someone’s face exactly as he or she looks. I met with a certain boy with some drawings. I asked him where he was coming from. He answered that he was coming from a club and had just started learning there since it was free, supported by UNHCR.

There were many activities at the Children’s Art Club (CAC), such as drumming, singing, dancing, playing piano, drawing, weaving and the like. Some were doing two or more activities. But for me, I just got ahead with learning drawing.

Learning and Development

I used to go to school in the morning until 2pm. Then, I would go to the Children’s Art Club. I learned drawing at that club for 2 years and gained some experience. We had competitions every year, and I managed to get position 1 or 2.

My fellow friends, after they just gained some experience, they decided to stop learning. But for me, I met with another teacher who taught me more things that I didn’t know. I learned how to draw using a pencil, colored crayons, and I learned how to mix paint.

Professional Development

After that, I asked my parents to give me a little amount of money so that I could buy materials for drawing. They gave me some money. Although it was not enough, I bought materials for art work and started drawing on people’s walls. They paid me, so I was able to add some other resources that I did not have.

Little by little as time went, my experience kept on increasing, and I learned new ways and techniques for drawing. By now, I have reached the extent of drawing portraits and selling them. I’m still learning new techniques, and I would like to continue with my talent so that it can expand.

Dzaleka Art Project

Imani is one of the visual artists participating in the Dzaleka Art Project, which supports and promotes artistic expression within the refugee camp community.

Artistic Community

As a member of this vibrant artistic community, Imani contributes to the rich cultural landscape of Dzaleka through visual arts and creative expression, specializing in portraits and wall paintings.

Contact Information

• WhatsApp: +265 992 377 552
• Location: Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Zone 1
• Nationality: Democratic Republic of Congo
• Age: 20 years old
• Birth Date: 7/10/2002

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Biography collected by Lisa Gilman